Please note that the Topic Hubs developed by this Center have been archived and are no longer being updated. GLRPPR has converted several of its Topic Hubs to LibGuides, which allow for integration of some social features.

A Method to Assess the Vulnerability of U.S. Chemical Facilities [PDF]Abstract: This special report presents an overview of a prototype methodology to assess the security of chemical facilities within the United States. This vulnerability assessment methodology identifies and assesses potential security threats, risks and vulnerabilities and guides the chemical facility industry in making security improvements. (PDF format; Length: 33 pages)Source: National Institute of Justice & Sandia National LaboratoriesURL:http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/195171.pdf

Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS)Abstract: CCPS and its sponsor companies are committed to protecting employees, communities, and the environment by developing engineering and management practices to prevent or mitigate catastrophic releases of chemicals, hydrocarbons, and other hazardous materials. The organization?s web site includes several tools, databases and over 80 books and other publications to help improve the safety of chemical processes.Source: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)URL:http://www.aiche.org/ccps/

Chemical Accident Prevention: Site Security [PDF]Abstract: Because of today?s increased concerns about terrorism, companies are paying increased attention to the physical security of facility sites, chemical storage areas, and chemical processes. This Chemical Safety Alert highlights security areas that companies may want to review to ensure that appropriate measures are being implemented and provides resources for further information. (Length: 8 pages) Source: US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency ResponseURL:http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/secale.pdf

Chemical Accidents from Electric Power Outages [PDF]Abstract: This safety alert describes how power outages and restarts can potentially trigger chemical accidents. Case studies and lessons learned are included, as well as guidelines for hazard identification, tips for risk reduction and resources for further information. (Length: 5 pages)Source: US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency ResponseURL:http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/power.pdf

Chemical Attack Prevention Act (H.R. 726) [PDF]Abstract: Representative Engel (D-NY) proposed this bill to the 108th Congress. The bill requires a license from the Secretary of Commerce to purchase, sell, or distribute in interstate commerce any Schedule I or Schedule II chemical agent (as defined in the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998). It defines such chemical agents as chemical weapons precursors, allows the Secretary to revoke licenses, and requires the licensee to make available to law enforcement authorities records of the purchase, sale, or distribution of chemical weapons precursors and to report any suspicious purchases of such items. (PDF Format; Length: 4 pages)Source: Government Printing OfficeURL:http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:h726ih.txt.pdf

Chemical Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC)Abstract: Coordinated by the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC®), a service of the American Chemistry Council. A primary goal of the Chemical Sector ISAC is to enable the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC), to disseminate timely and actionable assessment, advisories and alerts to appropriate government and private sector entities when such incidents are deemed to have possible serious national security, economic or social consequences. The Chemical Sector ISAC is intended for those companies or other organizations involved in the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution or handling of chemical products.Source: CHEMTRECURL:http://chemicalisac.chemtrec.com/

Chemical Security Act of 2003 (S.157) [PDF]Abstract: Senator John Corzine (D-NJ) proposed this bill to the 108th Congress. This bill proposes some measures to reduce potential impacts through prevention efforts. It directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to: (1) designate certain combinations of chemical sources and substances of concern as high priority categories based on the severity of the threat posed by an unauthorized release from chemical sources; and (2) require each owner and operator of a high priority category chemical source to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of the source to a terrorist attack or other unauthorized release, identify hazards that may result from such release, and prepare a prevention, preparedness, and response plan. (PDF Format; Length: 23 pages)Source: Government Printing OfficeURL:http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:s157is.txt.pdf

Clean Air Act 112 (r)Abstract: This US EPA website provides information on the section of the Clean Air Act related to hazards associated with accidental releases of chemicals, plans for facility safety and response plans. This website includes related fact sheets, links to the text of the statute and regulation, information on related policies and frequently asked questions and answers.Source: US EPAURL:http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/caa_faqs.htm

Enviroterrorism: A Long-range ViewAbstract: Written by Joseph F. Guida, JD, this article provides an overview of issues confronting the U.S. in the areas of environmental protection and environmental regulation in the effort to prevent or mitigate future terrorist events. Check with your local library for availability of this publication and/or interlibrary loan options. Check the magazine?s web site, http://www.eponline.com/, for subscription information and online availability of articles.Source: Environmental Protection, Vol. 14, No. 8URL:

EPRCA InformationAbstract: This EPA website provides an overview of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), information on compliance and reporting, chemical information, guidance documents and resources for further information. The EPCRA establishes requirements for governments, tribes, and industry that deal with hazardous and toxic chemicals for emergency planning, release potential assessment, and communication and reporting. Source: US EPAURL:http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/lawsregs/epcraover.htm

Explosion Hazard from Ammonium Nitrate [PDF]Abstract: This safety alert describes accidents involving the explosion of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used as a fertilizer and a component in blasting agents. Includes information on hazard identification, process safety areas for hazard reduction and resources for further information. (Length: 5 pages)Source: US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency ResponseURL:http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/docs/chem/ammonitr.pdf

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Hazardous Materials SafetyAbstract: Part of the mission of FMCSA is to reduce the security risks of hazardous materials that could potentially be used to harm the public and environment. Developing programs to accomplish this secondary goal is the responsibility of the FMCSA Hazardous Materials (HM) Program. The program?s web site provides information on hazardous materials security, cargo tank motor vehicle safety, spill reporting and prevention, permits and shipping, risk assessment and analyses, training and education, and resources for further information.Source: U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSAURL:http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/hm.htm

Homeland Security: EPA's Management of Clean Air Act Chemical Facility Data [PDF]Abstract: Professional and trade groups representing critical infrastructure sectors including the chemical industry generally oppose the release of information regarding the vulnerability of such facilities. These groups argue that terrorists could use this information to target the chemical facilities that are most vulnerable or located near population centers. Other groups support communities' right to information about hazards to which they might be exposed. Federal, state, and local governments have weighed these factors in reassessing the information publicly available in their publications and on their Web sites. For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing its management of the chemical facility information it has obtained under Clean Air Act provisions. (PDF format; Length: 7 pages)Source: U.S. General Accounting OfficeURL:http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03509r.pdf

Homeland Security: Voluntary Initiatives Are Under Way at Chemical Facilities, but the Extent of Security Preparedness is Unknown [PDF]Abstract: The events of September 11, 2001, triggered a national re-examination of the security of thousands of industrial facilities that use or store hazardous chemicals in quantities that could potentially put large numbers of Americans at risk of serious injury or death in the event of a terrorist-caused chemical release. GAO was asked to examine (1) available information on the threats and risks from terrorism faced by U.S. chemical facilities; (2) federal requirements for security preparedness and safety at facilities; (3) actions taken by federal agencies to assess the vulnerability of the industry; and (4) voluntary actions the chemical industry has taken to address security preparedness, and the challenges it faces in protecting its assets and operations.Source: U.S. General Accounting OfficeURL:http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03439.pdf

Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety CenterAbstract: This center was established at Texas A&M University in 1995. The Center conducts programs and research activities that enhance safety in the chemical process industries. The Center also develops safer processes, equipment, procedures and management strategies to minimize losses within the processing industry. The Center?s website includes information on its research, educational programs, access to its library and safety alerts.Source: Texas A&M UniversityURL:http://psc.tamu.edu/

Pesticide Safety and Site SecurityAbstract: This safety alert highlights general security measures that pesticide manufacturers and other companies that store pesticides should review. Includes sections related to knowing and understanding potential security threats, considerations for evaluating pesticide security, and timely coordination with authorities, as well as resources for further information.Source: US EPA Office of Pesticide ProgramsURL:http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/pest_secu_alert.htm

Preventing Toxic Terrorism: How Some Chemical Facilities Are Removing Danger to American CommunitiesAbstract: The Department of Homeland Security and numerous security experts have warned that terrorists could turn hazardous chemical facilities into improvised weapons of mass destruction. Some of these facilities have replaced acutely hazardous chemicals with safer, readily available alternatives?making themselves less appealing terrorist targets, while also removing the ever-present danger of a serious accident. At these facilities, no failure in safety or security can send a catastrophic gas cloud into a nearby community. The Center for American Progress, with assistance from the National Association of State PIRGs and National Environmental Trust, conducted a survey to identify such facilities and spotlight successful practices that have removed unnecessary chemical dangers from our communities. This survey (which covered facilities that no longer report using extremely hazardous substances under the federal Risk Management Planning program) found that facilities across the country, representing a range of industries, have switched to safer alternatives from a variety of hazardous chemicals, producing dramatic security and safety benefits at a reasonable cost. This report summarizes the results of that survey. The full report, as well as a map of the facilities covered by the report (both in PDF format) are available for download from the URL listed here.Source: Center for American ProgressURL:http://www.americanprogress.org/site/apps/s/custom.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=1573179

Security Vulnerability Analysis-- Guidelines for Analyzing and Managing the Security Vulnerabilities at Fixed Chemical SitesAbstract: The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) developed this method for industry to analyze their chemical security risks. The CCPS's SVA approach has been identified by the American Chemistry Council as one of the recommended methods for their member companies to employ in conducting analyses at their facilities as part of the Responsible Care® security code. At this web site you may order a copy of this book, request an electronic copy, register for training, or obtain additional resources referenced in the book. Source: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)URL:http://www.aiche.org/ccpssecurity/

Site Security Guidelines for the U.S. Chemical Industry [PDF]Abstract: These guidelines outline typical elements of a good security program and suggest security practices that managers can consider and tailor to their facilities' particular circumstances. This includes information on employee and contractor security issues, risk assessment, prevention strategies, training, emergency response and crisis management, and physical and cyber security issues. The guidelines are available at this web site in PDF or MS Word format. (Length: 60 pages)Source: American Chemistry Council, SOCMA, and Chlorine InstituteURL:http://www.nicsinfo.org/docs/Security%20Guide%20Final%2010-22.pdf

U.S. EPA Security StrategyAbstract: In September 2002, EPA published a Strategic Plan for Homeland Security outlining the Agency's activities and initiatives through fiscal year 2005 in support of homeland security. The 2004 Homeland Security Strategy (PDF) (68 pp, 1.6 Mb) updates this earlier effort and furthers EPA's strategic planning process. Specifically, the update takes into consideration the Agency's available resources through fiscal year 2005, recent Presidential Directives and expectations, and the evolving role of the Department of Homeland Security.Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)URL:http://www.epa.gov/OHS/htm/ohs-sp.htm

U.S. EPA: Risk Management ProgramAbstract: The Risk Management Program Rule requires that companies that use certain flammable and toxic substances to develop a Risk Management Program (RMP). RMPs include hazard assessments, prevention programs and emergency response programs. The Risk Management Program is about reducing chemical risk at the local level. This information helps local fire, police, and emergency response personnel (who must prepare for and respond to chemical accidents), and is useful to citizens in understanding the chemical hazards in communities.Source: US EPA CEPPOURL:http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/rmp/